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Simplicity in Christ
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughComplexity marks false teaching, while Christ's teaching is simple. Paul feared that the Corinthians, long steeped in worldly philosophy, would be corrupted from "the simplicity that is in Christ" (II Corinthians 11:3), just as the serpent deceived Eve by craftiness. Convoluted, philosophical arguments designed to prove that the church's clear doctrines were wrong appeal to vanity, spiritual laziness, and emotion. Their puzzling nature leads weaker members to defer to those with theological degrees, draws the intellectually proud into going along, and leaves most people frustrated and ignoring them. Yet those who know their Shepherd's voice recognize that such reasonings are not it (John 10:3-5). Jesus' teachings are so elegantly simple that children can understand them, and even hard topics like justification, sanctification, and salvation can be explained clearly to those who seek to prove what is right rather than to disprove and destroy (Acts 17:10-11). Doctrines need not be complex to be true. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," love God with all the heart, and do to others what you want done to you are simple and pure. The trouble comes from blending worldly wisdom and fallible human ideas with God's truth, which, like oil and water, do not mix. God's wisdom comes through His Spirit, not words taught by man's wisdom (I Corinthians 2:10-13). The apostles repeatedly warned against twisted arguments and useless technicalities, so God's people should return to the simplicity of His Word.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has deliberately designed this world to burn up our precious time, creating an artificial sense of urgency and a perpetual state of discontent.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
A Calendar Summary
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.
Born Again (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The gestation or fetus analogy does not adequately depict the sanctification process in which there has to be volition, judgment, and conscious choice.
Is God's Way Simple?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust because something is simple does not make it true and just because something is complex does not make it false. Deeper knowledge often comes with complexity.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must fight against the world's pulls (including advertising), simplifying our lives, seeking quiet to meditate and build a relationship with God.
A God of Many Dimensions
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has 'soft' virtues, which most churches proclaim loudly and often, and 'hard' ones, which get little attention. God has having a range of character traits.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhatever life is, it derives from a non-material, non-physical, imparted life-force having a spiritual source. God creates and sustains life, as well as ends it.
In Him Was Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough we have physical-chemical existence, we do not yet have God's quality of life. The key quality of eternal life is a vibrant relationship with God.
Truth (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we are going to search for truth, we should not be seeking it in the philosophies of men, but rather in the fullness of truth found in God's revelation.